Southeast launches biomass/biofuels research, demonstration field | Environment

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The Department of Agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University held a grand opening Thursday for their Biomass/Biofuels Research and Demonstration Field at the Sikeston campus.

The university says they have identified a 5-acre plot in the working farm behind the Sikeston campus at 2401 North Main to use in launching the initiative. A $200,000, two-year grant from the Delta Regional Authority, the Missouri Research Corporation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture is funding the effort.

The hope is to eventually have bio-based economy for southeast Missouri's bootheel. Their vision is to grow bio mass bio energy crops that will create jobs for the future. The department says it would not compete with traditional farming and crops range from sweet sorghum to sugar beets and switch grass.

Biomass by definition is an agricultural crop harvested and the unprocessed residue. Biomass can be converted into fuels ranging from ethanol to biodiesel and also pelletized material to supplement coal burning power plants.

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